American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Denounce Trump Administration Border Policies
In a rare formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has issued a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Special Message Expresses Serious Worry
Church leaders voiced being concerned by threats against the special status of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Climate of Fear
Within their declaration, the bishops portrayed what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of discrimination" and immigration enforcement.
They expressed being disappointed by the present discourse and vilification of immigrants, while rejecting what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Further Issues
Religious leaders also voiced serious worries about:
- Conditions in border holding facilities
- Unjustified cancellation of legal status for various foreign nationals
- Insufficiency in comprehensive immigration system improvements
Administrative Shifts
The Trump administration has pursued an stringent border policy since taking office, including revoking policies that curtailed immigration detentions near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
International Context
The message echoes comparable criticisms made by Pope Leo, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being addressed in the US under the current administration."
Wider Consequences
This represents the premier official declaration of its type in 12 years, emphasizing the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.
